Joseph DeLeon is president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, a South Carolina-based hospital system and joint venture partnership between Bon Secours Mercy Health and the Medical Society of South Carolina. He has more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in hospital operations, maintaining strong finances and expanding patient access.
Joseph, who joined Roper St. Francis Healthcare in 2024, is a former captain in the United States Air Force Medical Services Corps. His early days at St. Joseph Regional Health System and the Air Force laid the foundation for his career, instilling in him the values of reverence, service and stewardship.
He is a member of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and the Charleston Chamber of Commerce executive committees. He’s part of ongoing initiatives to expand clinical services, pursue higher levels of trauma care, and introduce pediatric services to serve the fast-evolving needs of the Charleston community.
Before joining Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Joseph was president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, an 851-bed Magnet-designated, full-service hospital serving North Texas with a Level I Trauma Center. There, he managed many facility and construction projects, including Texas Health Resources’ biggest project: the nine-story, 144-bed Jane and John Justin Tower.
While in Texas, Joseph was an active community leader, volunteering with multiple key community groups.
Vision & Passion
What continues to inspire me in my role at Roper St. Francis Healthcare is the organization’s unwavering commitment to extending compassionate care to all, especially the underserved. Every day, I see our teams making a real difference in people’s lives, driven by a mission of healing all people with compassion, faith and excellence that aligns deeply with my personal values of service and stewardship. This dedication to health and well-being across our communities motivates me to push forward with innovative solutions to healthcare challenges, ensuring we maintain and grow our impact where it’s needed most. Our efforts in workforce development, from enhancing skills to providing attainable housing, ensure that our staff can live near their places of work and feel truly part of the community.
Education & Training
Career Achievements